Pan-Afrikan
Hip Hop Help Haiti
Last night I was on a very impressive international conference call with more than 700 others to talk about how everyday people can stand in solidarity with our Haitian sisters and brothers. The call was hosted by the Hip Hop Caucus and moderated by its CEO, Rev. Lennox Yearwood. The call featured... »
The Spirit of SMEAC Lives On
I read an article yesterday in The Baltimore Sun entitled, “Activist walks away from Baltimore’s Middle East.” The article almost reads like a depressing obituary for Save Middle East Action Coalition (SMEAC). This excerpt, written by one of SMEAC’s former Executive Directors, gives some perspective on this remarkable organization: Save Middle East Action... »
Baltimore Urbanite Magazine requested a submission from me…
for their upcoming edition entitled “Separate Lives: Why Baltimoreans Don’t Mix, and What We Can Do About It.” They are partnering with Open Society Institute (OSI) on this being as though OSI has spent about half this year rolling out their Talking About Race Series. I was only allowed to submit 300... »
Passing on Paper & Plastic: 1 Step toward Simple Living
As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, one of the books I’m reading these days is entitled Everyday Justice: The Global Impact of our Daily Choices by Julie Clawson. It’s a book that has sensitized me to how some of my lifestyle choices – as innocent as they seem – have an adverse... »
Murder marches on in North Baltimore: 17 year old girl killed
My day started by hearing news about another tragic – and yet – all too common occurrence in Baltimore. I received a text message from a dear friend letting me know that a 17 year old girl, Qurra Iqbal, was murdered this morning at her home which is directly across from her former... »
Mayor Sheila Dixon: GUILTY!
.jpg)
After six days of deliberation, the jury in the corruption case against Mayor Sheila Dixon (Baltimore, MD) came to a decision today. They found Mayor Dixon guilty on one out of five counts against her. She was found guilty of taking gift cards intended to be given to “the city’s poor.” ... »
A man was murdered down the street from my house last night…
Two others were wounded. During an evening that promised to be filled with family time and football; my night was interrupted by an unsettling phone call from my mother. The timbre in the voice on the other end of the phone immediately sent my mind back 9 years. The only time... »
President grabs the reigns of health care debate, but will the finish line still yield universal health care?
That’s the question for me. Now granted – the President delivered an amazing health care address before the Joint Session of Congress. In the midst of a partially hostile crowd and during a time when the “discussion” around health care has reached a fevered pitch in this nation, Obama delivered the type... »
Open Letter to Delegate Keith Haynes
Photo Credit: static.guim.co.uk Good Morning Delegate Haynes, I pray this email finds you and your family well. I’m writing because I just finished reading an article in today’s Baltimore Sun by Julie Bykowicz entitled, “Maryland Detention Center Plans Move Forward” which details how the state is prepared to spend $100 million dollars to build two... »
African Americans and Koreans Together in East Baltimore (Guest Commentary)
Recently, I was on a video shoot in East Baltimore (North Avenue) and a Korean lady invited me to a block party. Of course I was thinking of the free food and drink because I was hungry, but when I arrived I was amazed at what I saw—fellowship, kids–African American and Korean kids playing... »
200,000 Visitors & Counting!
